International Maritime Law, LLM

Discover Swansea at our next Open Day

Book your place today
students studying together

Course Overview

Designed for ambitious minds, LLM International Maritime Law at Swansea University delivers a distinct programme ideal for those seeking to navigate a high-level career at the heart of the maritime sector.

Our course is delivered by internationally renowned academics and seasoned practitioners, who will provide you with a rigorous and specialised legal education in the legal frameworks that govern shipping, trade, and the use of the world’s oceans.

You will benefit from a programme powered by the latest research and real-world commercial maritime practice. You will be equipped to tackle complex issues, from charter party disputes and marine insurance to port regulation and admiralty law.

LLM International Maritime Law at Swansea creates confident specialists, empowered with the precise skills and insights that will pave the way for a successful career in maritime law.

Why International Maritime Law at Swansea?

As an LLM International Maritime Law student, you will be joining a thriving postgraduate community and vibrant academic environment, at our globally recognised, School of Law.

Our School of Law is recognised as a source of expertise and having an impact in a diverse range of fields of practice. Our School is wholly committed to continuous improvement in learning and teaching, putting students at the centre of our activities and offering an exceptional student experience.

You will be supervised by academics and qualified practitioners with a wealth of real-world experience, who are ideally placed to provide ongoing guidance and support.

Law at Swansea is ranked: ·

  • In the Top 125 in the World (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
  • In the Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • 83.3% of our research produces considerable impact in terms of its reach and significance (REF 2021)

The International Commercial Arbitration (LACM17) and Commercial and Maritime Mooting (LACM24) modules which are offered as part of this degree (the latter is a non-credit bearing module) have been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). This means that LLM students who manage to successfully complete both these modules at Swansea are eligible,

via application, for Associate-level membership of the CIArb.

Your International Maritime Law experience

LLM International Maritime Law at Swansea provides a specialist, industry-informed learning experience that will prepare you for high-level professional practice in the global shipping, trade, legal and regulatory sectors.

You will explore the complex legal principles governing international maritime commerce, including charterparties, carriage of goods, marine insurance, admiralty practice, and international regulation.

Our LLM International Maritime Law degree will equip you with the skills to become a critical, ethically conscious practitioner capable of navigating complex legal, commercial, and cultural dimensions of the maritime world. You will learn to construct professional, evidence-based solutions to contemporary maritime challenges, including decarbonisation, supply chain disputes, and seafarer welfare, through the integration of doctrinal knowledge with ethical reasoning.

Our course provides a learning environment that fosters global maritime citizenship and professional competence. Through comparative and international perspectives, you will be able to contribute effectively, justly and innovatively, with the ability to critically reflect on social and distributive impacts of maritime law, advocating for equitable and sustainable practices.

Employability is embedded throughout the course. During your studies you will have the opportunity to attend events, such as the annual LLM Careers Fair, exclusive networking events and organised visits to leading maritime practices in key hubs, including the City of London.

You will learn from industry experts and leading practitioners on our LLM in International Maritime Law. Alongside guest lectures from prominent maritime professionals and arbitrators, you can take part in mooting competitions, seminars, specialist workshops, and lectures designed to build a supportive and connected cohort.

You will benefit from comprehensive study support, including access to the law library, dedicated postgraduate study spaces, and guidance from a Personal Tutor who will assist you in navigating challenges and building strategies for success.

International Maritime Law employment opportunities

Graduates of our LLM International Maritime Law degree will emerge as confident specialists, with an in-depth knowledge, commanding and applied expertise, and the precise skills and sectoral insights highly valued by elite employers across the globe.

You will be well-positioned to pursue advanced, roles across the global legal, commercial, and regulatory sectors. Your future role could lie in any of the following:

  • Legal Practice
  • Maritime Arbitration and Specialist Dispute Resolution
  • International Organisations and Regulatory Bodies
  • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Advocacy
  • Academia and Research

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.